The British High Commissioner, Constantinople.
Your Excellency,
Constantinople, June 1, 1921.
We have the honour to submit the following report in accordance with your instructions and with the terms of reference for the above-named Commission of Enquiry:—
1. Credible evidence has been produced as to crimes committed during the last twelve months by both Greeks and Turks. There is no doubt that there have been a large number of atrocities in the Ismid peninsula, and it appears that those on the part of the Turks have been more considerable and ferocious than those on the part of the Greeks.
We attach a résumé of our investigations upon which our opinions are based; and will prepare a schedule giving full details.
2. The present state of affairs is largely due to racial feeling and age-long vendetta, now fanned to an intense pitch by exaggerated stories which promote fear and excitement.
3. Greek regular troops have been implicated in recent excesses, and both officers and soldiers; more especially lately when the troops have been on the march.
In the zone which is effectively occupied by the Greek army there is order, but it appears to be maintained at the cost of oppressing the Turkish population. This evil is accentuated by the Turkish Civil Administration, which, particularly in the neighbourhood of Ismid, is venal and corrupt, and allows itself to be used by the Greeks, to carry out their policy.
The Greek military authority admits that nothing is done to maintain order in districts not actually occupied by Greek troops.